You're going to have to shoot both to decide that for yourself. If you can't get ahold of either and are worried about the ergonomics of the AXE, go with the etek 4. Really can't go wrong with either marker.

Both should have fairly high resale value, so you should be able to sell them if you decide you don't like it after playing with them for a while.

Just remember to try to stick with a marker. Sometimes all it takes is a little getting used to and you'll be way more comfortable with it than anything else.

Just bought the etek 4 over the Axe myself. Shot both guns. Axe is quieter and very smooth but I agree with everyone else etek is all around better. Really no upgrades needed, easy to work on, and planet eclipse is a great company

but if u have some money to put into the axe it has an awesome shot its very smooth very quiet non servicable reg , weird ergos

i lke the etek better because of the ergos and i personally like the responsive feedback from a stack tube poppit.its all personal preferance

but with upgrades the axe is better, better shot, more efficent

Better company backing them? Lolwut? How did you determine that fact? Empires CS rivals PE's easily...

because PE's stuff isn't made in taiwan...not sure but PE probably has higher quality machines because they do make EGO's and GEO's along with the etek line. i traded my etek3 for an axe and thank god the guy let me trade back. i felt that the milling and annodizing was of lower quality compared to PE, not to mention the trigger was kicked off to the left. completely off center. i wasn't happy with the axe at all.

i had this choice to make also, i have bought the etek 4 and should get it this week. i got it because im a noob player and it needs less maintenance, i like the looks better on the etek (i know looks dont matter but it does a bit to me) and i have freinds who have the etek and they have nothing but good things to say say it shoots amazing ext so ya but again shoot both guns if you can.

Well, there aren't any NEEDED upgrades. I ran my Axe stock for a year wonderfully. If you want to take your Axe to the next level, a new bolt is the way to go. EVeryone has different favorites, but a lot of guys like Boss bolts. I just bought the XSV Pro Boss Bolt, and I can't wait to try it out. Some guys like a new trigger or grip extender, but that's just preference.